

"The Pack" Coyote News
Welcome to Tornillo PK-8! Vol. 29
Tornillo PK-8 Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower every student in our school through tailored experiences in blended learning and STEM-H that enable them to make informed decisions about their futures, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to attain their life goals.
District Mission Statement
Empowering our learning community to live their purpose by honoring values and beliefs for a holistic postsecondary journey.
District Vision Statement
Believe we can succeed, with pride we will achieve.
We're glad you are here!
QT3: Week 9, April 7-April 11
Happy Sunday PK-8 Coyotes!
April is a busy month on campus, and things are in full swing! Be sure to read on for key updates and important events coming up this week!
STAAR Testing for all 3rd-8th Grade Students Begins Next Week
STAAR testing begins next week, and our students and teachers have been working hard to prepare! We’re proud of the effort they’ve put in, and we’re excited to see their growth. Please take note of the upcoming STAAR test dates—it's especially important that all students are present each day to make the most of their learning and stay on track.
On STAAR testing days, we kindly ask that you refrain from scheduling appointments or events to ensure all our Coyotes are here and fully prepared to do their best. Tornillo PK-8 will be a closed campus on these days, and early student pick-ups will not be permitted for students who are still testing.
Donations of Candy Needed: Student Easter Egg Hunt - Thursday, April 10
Bring your Easter Basket, Thursday- April 10th for our annual Easter Egg Hunt.
We’re thrilled to announce our annual Easter Egg Hunt, which will include all students, from our youngest Coyotes in PK to our "grown-up" Coyotes in 8th grade. Every student will have the opportunity to participate!
Thanks to a generous donation of plastic Easter eggs, we’re now seeking donations of candy to fill them. We have both small and medium-sized eggs, and any candy donations would be greatly appreciated. If you’d like to contribute, please send your donations to your child's teacher by April 4th. Thank you for your support!
2025-2026 New & Returning Student Registration Open for All PK-12 Grade Students
Secure your spot for the 2025-2026 school year! You can easily register your child online through the district website or come on in for in-person registration at Building A Office.
All returning students must complete registration to guarantee a spot for next school year. Don’t forget—prizes will be awarded to students and classrooms that complete registration by April 20th!
Adult Energy Drinks, Sodas, & Chips at School
We would like to kindly remind you that adult energy drinks, soda, and chips are not allowed to be brought to school by any PK-8th grade student at our school. We encourage healthy snack options to help support our students’ well-being and focus throughout the school day.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in maintaining a positive and healthy environment for all students.
Student Attendance - Student Absences, Tardies, and Early Pick-Up
As you know, every day of instruction is vital to your child’s academic success, and missing school, even for short periods, can have a significant impact on their learning.
We understand that there may be times when your child needs to be absent, but we ask for your support in ensuring they attend school everyday. The more consistent their attendance, the more your child learns & grows.
Texas law also requires student to be in attendance 90% of the time regardless if the absence is excused or unexcused. Students who are below 90% attendance will be required to make up time. A formal meeting will be set up between the attendance administrator, parent, and student to set up an Attendance Plan.
When a student has 10 unexcused absences, our campus will begin the process for truancy court as required by Texas law.
PK-3rd Grade Attendance Administrator- Mrs. Sotelo, Assistant Principal
4th-8th Grade Attendance Adminsitrator- Mrs. Morales, Assistant Principal
"Every child. Every day. Whatever it takes!"
Myrna Lopez-Patti, Proud Principal
Tornillo PK-8
(915)765-3300
Happy Assistant Principal Appreciation Week, Mrs. Morales & Mrs. Sotelo!
Your dedication, leadership, and constant support make a tremendous difference in the lives of our students, staff, and families. Whether you're stepping in to solve problems, celebrating student successes, or keeping our school running smoothly behind the scenes, your hard work does not go unnoticed.
Thank you for your commitment, compassion, and the positive energy you bring to our campus each and every day. We are incredibly fortunate to have you on our team!
What's Happening this Week at Our School
Mindful Monday, April 7- Autism Awareness Day: Wear Blue
-Student Free Dress if they had Perfect Attendance March 31-April 4
-After school tutoring resumes
-PLC: Small Group Lesson Planning
Thankful Tuesday, April 8- World Autism Awareness (Students, Teachers, & Staff Wear Blue)
-After school tutoring resumes (3rd-8th grade)
-PLC's: STAAR Testing/Technology PD Training (all teachers)
Wellness Wednesday, April 9
-QT3 Ends- 9 Weeks Grades Due
-After school tutoring (3rd-8th grade)
-PK-8 ARD & 504 Mtg Day
-PLC: Lesson Planning/Lesson Internalization
Thoughtful Thursday, April 10: QT4 Begins
-Tornillo PK-8 Easter Egg Hunt: Students, bring an Easter Basket
-College, Career, & Military Awareness Day- Wear your college, career, or military gear today!
-After school tutoring (3rd-8th grade)
-PLC: SEL Counselor Training
Friendly Friday, April 11
-STAAR Pep Rally- PK-8th grade students & teachers wear STAAR shirt
-STAAR Talks Rally for 3rd-8th grade students: April 11
-Teacher Dimension 4 Summatives Due to Appraisar in Eduphoria: April 11
-PLC: At-Risk entries due, April 15/LEP Interventions due, April 17
Upcoming Events
-Saturday, April 12: 3rd-8th Grade Tutoring (8:00-11:00)
-April 15: STAAR Reading for 3rd-8th Grade Students
-April 16: AB Honor Roll & Perfect Attendance Celebration during Lunch
April 17: STAAR Social Studies for 8th Grade
April 18: Good Friday, No School
April 19: TISD Wellness Day, No School
April 22: STAAR Science for 5th & 8th Grade Students
April 22: Bus Driver Appreication Day
April 23: Office Professionals Day
April 25: Volunteer Appreciation Day
April 28: Faculty Mtg, afterschool
April 29: STAAR Math for 3rd-8th Grade Students
April 29: Coffee with the Principal (1st & 2nd Grade Presents)
April 30: Board Mtg, 5:30pm
STAAR Testing for 3rd-8th Grade Students Begins Next Week
Student Uniforms & Dress Code PK-8
Dear Parents,
This is a friendly reminder that all students are required to be in proper dress code and uniform while at school. Recently, we have noticed some students not adhering to the dress code. If a student is out of dress code, we will contact you, and a change of clothes or shoes will need to be brought to school. If a change is not provided, the student will be assigned lunch detention.
An exception to this policy is for students who have earned a Free Dress Pass or have perfect attendance (please see details of the Perfect Attendance Free Dress policy below).
Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring all students follow the dress code.
March Tornillo PK-8 Attendance
Consistent attendance is essential for student academic growth and overall success, and we truly value your partnership in supporting this. The goal for each grade level is 98% Attendance.
If there are any challenges or concerns impacting your child's attendance, please feel free to reach out so we can collaborate and find solutions together.
Way to Go Kinder & 4th Grade, with last week's attendance!
Great Things Happenning at Tornillo PK-8!
Save your spot for the 2025-2026 School Year!
Welcome to Tornillo PK-8 Little Coyotes!
2025-2026 Student Registration is Now Open! We're here to help!
Thank You, PK-8 Paraprofessionals! We appreciate you!
Thank you, Coyote Parents for your Bluebonnet Curriculum Input
How to connect to our school through Class Dojo & Power School Parent Portal
Help your child's classroom win a popcorn or donut party this week. Classes with 100% Class Dojo will win one of these tasty treats at the end of the week!
Student Pick-Up & Drop-Off Information
We're Here to Help!
Email: lopezmy@tisd.us
Website: www.tisd.us
Location: 420 Oil Mill Rd, Tornillo, TX 79853
Phone: (915)765-3300
Twitter: @MLopez_TISD